Chapter 48

The call connected instantly.

Adrian's voice came through the receiver: "What does Miss Valentine want?"

"I want my daughter back." Stella's voice trembled slightly. "That child cost me nearly my life. With so many women around you, Mr. Roland, why must you take her from me?"

"Never." Adrian's tone was icy. "My flesh and blood will not be raised elsewhere."

"What if... she's not yours?"

The pool cue creaked under Adrian's tightening grip. "Say that again."

Stella chuckled darkly. "Since Mr. Roland already has a new lover and even picked out wedding rings, you'll have your own children soon enough. My daughter isn't even a month old. She needs her mother."

Her words exploded like a bomb, draining color from every face in the room.

"Stella, you have a daughter?" Joy gasped, eyes wide.

Stella ignored her, glaring at Adrian. "Care to make a bet?"

His jaw clenched in silence.

"What's wrong? Is the mighty Adrian Roland actually scared?"

"Children aren't bargaining chips." Adrian finally spoke. "Out of respect for giving birth to Luna, I'll let you see her if you win. But taking her? Impossible."

"How dare you!" Stella's voice cracked. "I almost died delivering her! What right do you have to steal my daughter? Adrian Roland, how dare you?!"

The outburst tore at her surgical wounds. Pain crashed over her like tidal waves. She clutched her abdomen as cold sweat soaked through her blouse.

"Stella!" Joy frantically searched for medication. "Take your pills!"

The bitter tablets slid down her throat but couldn't quell the agony. Her legs buckled.

"What's wrong with you?" Adrian suddenly stood before her, brows furrowed.

Stella laughed bitterly, her face ghostly pale. "None of your business."

"Tell me!" His voice simmered with restrained fury.

Joy shoved him away. "Adrian Roland! You cheated while Stella was pregnant, divorced her right after childbirth, and now you're ring shopping with your mistress? Are you even human?"

"It's not what you think." Adrian's expression darkened.

"The evidence speaks for itself!" Joy trembled with rage. "Stella, we'll sue! We'll get Luna back!"

Adrian sneered. "With what? Her job? Income? Or the ability to provide the best education?"

"Better than leaving her with a monster like you!"

The painkillers finally took effect. Stella counted the remaining pills with shaking hands—only a few left. The bottle was nearly empty after mere days.

"Fine." She forced herself upright. "If I win, I see Luna today. We'll settle custody later."

She grabbed a pool cue, knuckles whitening.

"Stella, don't push yourself..." Joy fretted.

"I can do this." Determination hardened Stella's gaze. If she could endure cancer pain, this was nothing.

"Mr. Roland, who breaks?"

Adrian studied her, his expression unreadable. "Ladies first."

"Thank you."

One shot, two shots... Colored balls disappeared into pockets until only two remained.

Stella adjusted her stance, aiming at an impossible angle.

"Stella, that's the wrong direction!" Joy stomped in frustration.

Zachary explained, "Miss Valentine's attempting a bank shot to sink both."

"That's too risky..."

Lucas stepped forward, gripping her wrist. "Little Star, one more ball and you win. Why gamble?"

Stella met his gaze. "Lucas, you're his friend."

"I didn't know you two were..." Lucas looked sick.

"Ancient history." She pulled free. "I just want my daughter."

The cue struck. The white ball carved a perfect arc.

Clack—the first ball dropped.

The rebounding white ball kissed the final colored sphere.

Clack—silence.

Stella set down her cue. "Mr. Roland, I've won."

Adrian's eyes darkened.

"I'm seeing Luna today." Each word was deliberate.

"Not today."

"Going back on your word?" Her voice shook.

"I promised a visit, not a timeline." His smirk chilled the room. "I have plans tonight. Another time."

A sharp slap echoed through the billiard room.

Stella's palm burned. "You're toying with me?!"

Adrian touched his stinging cheek, smile turning cruel. "You played me first about Luna. We're even."

"I needed Luna to save—"

"Save that bastard child!" Adrian roared. "You married me just to use our baby's cord blood for your illegitimate son! Stella Valentine, what am I to you? A tool? Six years ago you schemed for the Roland fortune, and now history repeats!"

"If I wanted the Roland fortune, why was I borrowing money for my mother's treatment?"

Tears darkened the carpet. Stella's laugh was hollow. He was brilliant—yet chose willful blindness.

"Borrowing?" Adrian's eyes narrowed. "At the jewelry store today, Joy couldn't afford those $300,000 rings. Who swooped in last minute?"